Adam and Eve 1504

Albrecht Durer created this drawing of ‘Adam and Eve’ in 1504, but the story of the first humans has been told and retold for centuries. What does it mean to revisit this story in the context of the artist’s time? Durer was a German artist working during the Renaissance, a period marked by a renewed interest in classical art and humanist philosophy. His depiction of Adam and Eve reflects this influence, showcasing idealized human forms and a focus on the individual. Look closely, do you see how Durer challenges traditional representations? Instead of portraying them as figures of shame or guilt, he presents them as beautiful, dignified beings. However, we might also consider how this idealization reinforces existing power structures, particularly in its representation of gender. Are they really equal? This is an invitation to explore the complexities of representation and meaning.